M.A. in of Art

The idea of the Master of Arts program offered by the Department of Art Education in partnership with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction emerged as an extension of the College’s leading role in achieving excellence in the quality of postgraduate programs and as a reflection of the University’s Strategic Plan (2016–2040), which calls for increasing and diversifying postgraduate programs at the University and activating the initiative to establish a framework for multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary programs.

The program is owned by the Department of Art Education, while the Department of Curriculum and Instruction participates in teaching courses in the specialization of art education. This program was developed in response to the needs of the target group and in alignment with the current resources available in both departments, thereby strengthening the program and ensuring its sustainability due to its distinctive content and options.

The program was designed in accordance with the requirements of the postgraduate academic system and academic accreditation in terms of course structure and the number of required credit hours, while taking into consideration the standards and requirements of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The program also aligns with the NASAD approach to graduation requirements, whereby the final project must take one of the following forms: an exhibition and portfolio, a graduation project, or a thesis.

The program includes two tracks:

1. Course-based (36 credit hours).
2. Course-based and thesis (24 credit hours + 6 credit hours for the thesis).

The degree shall be awarded under the following titles:

• First specialization: Master of Arts in Visual Arts.
• Second specialization: Master of Arts in Art Education.

The program has been reviewed by a number of academically qualified scholars from several internationally renowned educational institutions. Consultation was also undertaken with a number of relevant Omani institutions, and those responsible for the program received feedback affirming its academic robustness and positive content.

Objectives

1. Prepare highly qualified specialists and researchers in the field of arts at the graduate level.
2. Develop the competencies of program candidates through advanced scholarly studies, practical studio applications, and formal artistic experimentation.
3. Equip graduates with advanced skills in art criticism, aesthetics, and the structural analysis and evaluation of artworks.
4. Empower students to effectively deploy modern technology and interactive multimedia frameworks in artistic production.
5. Cultivate critical thinking skills surrounding contemporary trends, movements, and intellectual issues in the arts.
6. Build institutional capacity in designing and developing art curricula in alignment with current global advancements and educational shifts.
7. Impart advanced knowledge and administrative capabilities required for supervision, consultancy, and leadership in art education fields.
8. Enable graduates to master methodologies of scientific research, inquiry, and empirical experimentation in art.
9. Foster deep student engagement with heritage and identity throughout the processes of artistic production, creative practice, and pedagogy.

Expected Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

1. Evaluate contemporary socio-cultural issues in the arts and their respective pedagogical curricula.
2. Assess the quality, validity, and methodologies of scholarly research within the fields of art and related interdisciplinary domains.
3. Operate with high autonomy and professional independence throughout artistic production workflows.
4. Demonstrate a profound, comprehensive knowledge of research methodologies and systematic inquiry in the arts and art education.
5. Critique visual artworks objectively, grounded in an advanced understanding of art history, aesthetic theories, and critical frameworks.
6. Exhibit professional teamwork and collaborative skills in collective artistic production, scholarly research, and curriculum development.
7. Utilize technological innovations and modern multimedia channels in creative production, pedagogy, and academic research tailored for diverse age groups.
8. Synthesize Omani, Arab, and Islamic cultural identities into the processes of artistic creation, educational practice, and scientific research.
9. Reflect critically on their own artistic, pedagogical, and research practices in relation to local socio-economic issues and global community contexts.

“Master of Arts Degree”

(Academic Regulations & Program Specifications):

The structural framework of the Master of Arts (MA) program adheres to the Academic Regulations for Graduate Studies under the following two tracks:

1. Coursework Track: (36 credit hours).
2. Coursework and Thesis Track: (24 credit hours of coursework + 6 credit hours dedicated to the Master's thesis).

The implementation of the Master of Arts program—specifically the Coursework Track—is scheduled to commence in the Fall semester of the 2019 academic year. Currently available college resources permit the enrollment of up to (7–10) male and female students per academic year within each specialization. This program has been strategically designed to expand over time, and Table 1 illustrates its general structure.

Table 1 illustrates the general structure of the program.

Admission to the Master of Arts program is governed by the regulations outlined in the Academic Bylaws for Graduate Studies. Prospective candidates applying to this program must declare their chosen specialization at the time of initial application.

Admission Requirements:

• Examination & Interview: Successful completion of the program admission exam and the personal interview.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Submission of an updated professional and academic resume.
• Art Portfolio: Submission of a comprehensive creative portfolio showcasing previous artistic work.

Note: Depending on the applicant's academic and practical background in art and art education, they may be required to complete up to three prerequisite remedial/bridging courses.

The governance and administration of this program are subject to the Academic Regulations for Graduate Studies. Academic ownership and quality control of the program reside within the Department of Art Education, while the Department of Curricula and Instruction co-participates in instructional delivery and research supervision.

1. Coursework Track: (36 Credit Hours)

• Core Requirements: 27 credit hours.
• Elective Courses: 9 credit hours.

2. Coursework and Thesis Track: (30 Credit Hours)

(24 credit hours of coursework + 6 credit hours dedicated to the Master's thesis)

• Core Requirements: 18 credit hours.
• Elective Courses: 6 credit hours.
• Master's Thesis: 6 credit hours.

Both tracks of the Master of Arts (MA) program have been systematically designed in alignment with contemporary global trends in art education and the professional accreditation benchmarks stipulated by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)—currently known as the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Furthermore, international universities accredited by NASAD were benchmarked as part of the curriculum mapping process. The program's components have been mapped to meet Sultan Qaboos University graduate attributes, the College's conceptual framework, and the institutional standards of both NCATE and NASAD. Instructional delivery within this program relies on highly effective, student-centered pedagogical methodologies, including open studio practice, capstone art projects, collaborative learning, experiential education, independent studies, and practice-based research. The attached appendices detail the curriculum mapping, weekly contact hours, and credit hour distribution across the different tracks.

A. Study Plan for the Master of Arts Program - Both Tracks (Part-Time Study Mode).

B. Study Plan for the Master of Arts Program - Both Tracks (Full-Time Study Mode).